Just as important as the black metal era, in my opinion. I'm sure Blood Fire Death will rack up the majority of the votes here, but these days I find myself listening to Hammerheart and Twilight of the Gods more.

Twilight of the Gods is the most epic album in the history of heavymetal.A timeless masterpiece.Just like Nietzsche's words on the booklet..
Generally what can I say for that Bathory period..Words are not enough to describe.
Even Nordland 1 includes some of my favorite Bathory songs ever.
So difficult to create such majestic and epic music.
I miss Quorthon's inspiration.

p.s.Has anybody visited Quorthon's grave in Sweden?Are there any photos?

Putting Blood Fire Death on the poll isn't fair. When I was first getting into metal, this one was my least favorite of the first five, I loved the opener and closer more than the middle. Nowadays I think this might be one of the best paced albums ever and has the most consistent narrative.

Of the true viking albums (the ones with the Manowar drum beat and drop tuned guitars), Twilight of the Gods is my favorite.

Even though Blood Fire Death is, 'technically' the first Viking Metal album ever, it is not quite fair to include it in this poll. Why? It was more like a 'transiition' album between the BM era and the Viking stuff... Granted, Blood On Ice would be the 'accurate' transition album but, since it was completed in the mid-90s, I'm not counting it.

My vote was for Twilight of the Gods. Not only because I listened it before I got my hands on 'Hammerheart', but also because I couldn't believe my ears back then. Easily the most epic Heavy Metal album ever... Quorthon reached a point which, perhaps, will never be achieved by any other Metal composer..._________________::: NON SERVIAM! :::

My vote was for Twilight of the Gods. Not only because I listened it before I got my hands on 'Hammerheart', but also because I couldn't believe my ears back then. Easily the most epic Heavy Metal album ever... Quorthon reached a point which, perhaps, will never be achieved by any other Metal composer...

If it had Valhalla and One Rode to Asa Bay this poll would be a no brainer.

Only for sentimental reasons I am voting Blood on Ice. My first Bathory cd at the age of 15._________________I've made my own code, sold my soul to Manilla Road. Modern metal i don't give a f@ck...I was raised on rock!!!

When Blood Fire Death is included, it's a clear winner but I still would categorize that one into the black metal albums even though it's the mixture of both. So I had to go with Blood on Ice. Almost a tie with Hammerheart but Blood on Ice has always been and is more important to me.

"And I wait for the sign in the sky to appear.
telling me that the moment has come
For me to ride beyond the edge of this world
into the realms where the shadows are strong"